JP5388623B2 - Information processing apparatus, method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to control in an information processing apparatus when connected to a device such as a printer.

  In recent years, in order to use a peripheral device (hereinafter also referred to as a device), an information processing device is interconnected with the peripheral device via various interfaces such as USB, Ethernet (registered trademark), and wireless LAN. Examples of peripheral devices include printers, copiers, facsimiles, scanners, digital cameras, and devices that combine these functions.

  As a device for controlling peripheral devices, for example, there is a management application for device management. By using this management application, it is possible to change settings of peripheral devices and device drivers corresponding to the peripheral devices, and to perform maintenance such as cleaning of parts of peripheral devices and resetting of settings.

  With the spread of the Internet, various online services using the Internet by connecting information processing devices and peripheral devices to the Internet are also provided. For example, there is a purchase service for purchasing an ink or toner cartridge for a printer online via the Internet. There are also systems in which a purchase application can be accessed from a management application such as described above to purchase cartridges online via the Internet. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that prompts the user to purchase a correct cartridge by displaying the cartridge model number when the cartridge runs out of ink in the printer.

  In addition, as a service via the Internet, an online service that can open an online user support page or software download page with a Web browser or the like is also provided.

JP 2007-011794 A

  There are cases where such services as purchasing cartridges are limited to regions. For example, a purchase service for a printer sold in Japan is provided only in Japan, and such a service may not be provided in the United States.

  In such a case, there is a method of changing the specification of the management application itself for each destination of the operation system and providing it to the user in order to properly operate the system for purchasing the cartridge. For example, a management application for Japan is provided with a cartridge purchase button so that a cartridge can be purchased online, and a management application for the United States cannot be purchased online.

  In a case where a management application is bundled with the OS of the information processing apparatus, a management application having an online cartridge purchase function may be bundled only with the Japanese-compatible OS.

  However, when the specifications of the management application included in each OS destination are changed, for example, when an American resident in Japan uses an English-compatible OS in Japan, use the online cartridge purchase function. Will not be able to.

  In addition, when a Japanese resident in the United States uses a Japanese-compatible OS in the United States, a cartridge can be ordered using the online cartridge purchase function of the management application included. However, since this function is supposed to be a service only in Japan, the cartridge is not sold in the United States, so there is a problem that it cannot be purchased.

  In addition, in an online service that opens an online user support page or software download page via the Internet, the display language is different depending on the region where the device is sold, or the contents of the service are different. Specifically, there are cases where the contents of supported services differ for each model name such as a printer. Therefore, there are some cases where a problem occurs when such a service is used by linking to a Web site from a management application.

  For example, in the case of a user using a Japanese OS in the United States, opening an online user support page links to a service site for the Japanese market. This has the problem that information about printers sold only in the United States cannot be obtained. In addition, even if the user can link to a service site in a desired area, if the information related to the device with the wrong model name is referred to, there may be a problem that an erroneous operation of the user or a malfunction of the printer occurs.

  Therefore, the present invention uses the destination and model name of the peripheral device that is actually used, and even when providing different services for each destination, without depending on the language used by the user who uses the system, The purpose is to provide management application functions flexibly.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides :
Display the object containing a specific character string in which the first area information stored in the registry before Symbol information processing apparatus receives an instruction for providing a first function when a first region, said first The specification for receiving an instruction to provide the first function when the regional information is not stored in the registry and the second regional information acquired from a peripheral device via a communication line indicates the first region An object including the character string is displayed, and an instruction to provide a second function is received when the first area information is not stored in the registry and the second area information indicates the second area It has a display control means for displaying an object including the specific character string.

  According to the present invention, when providing different services for each destination (regional information) with respect to the peripheral device actually used, it does not depend on the language used by the user who uses the system, the type of device, or the like. It is possible to provide management application functions flexibly.

It is a block diagram showing the structure in one Example of the system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware constitutions of PC. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer. It is a figure showing the software configuration of PC. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer driver in a PC. FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a printer folder displayed via a display unit 1205. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the first embodiment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a device ID that is information for uniquely identifying a printer in Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a destination of a printer and a device ID in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure showing the content of the control file in Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process in PC1 at the time of device connection. 4 is a flowchart for explaining management application installation processing in the PC 1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing at the time of starting a management application in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a software configuration of a system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the second embodiment. It is a figure showing the content of the control file in Example 2. FIG. It is a figure showing the interface which the control module supports in Example 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing for determining a character string displayed by a management application in the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing for determining a button displayed by a management application in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating information described in the registry of the PC 1 in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the third embodiment. It is a figure showing the content of the control file in Example 3. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing at the time of starting a management application in the third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing of determining a character string by a control module according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing in which a control module determines a keyword value in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of a management application via the display unit 1205 in the first embodiment. It is a figure showing the print setting dialog displayed via the display part 1205 which concerns on this invention. It is a figure showing the maintenance dialog displayed via the display part 1205 which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen at the time of displaying the cartridge purchase page displayed via the display part 1205 which concerns on this invention with a web browser. It is a figure which shows the memory map of the storage medium which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating information described in a registry of PC1 in an application example of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a control file in an application example of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating information described in a registry of PC1 in an application example of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a control file in an application example of Example 3. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 3. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a printer folder displayed via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. It is a figure showing the information described in the registry of PC1 in the application example of Example 4. FIG. Reference numeral 127 denotes a display area showing the configuration of the registry in a tree shape. It is a figure showing the information described in the registry of PC1 in the application example of Example 4. FIG. Reference numeral 133 denotes a display area showing the configuration of the registry in a tree shape. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control in an application example of the fourth embodiment. (A)-(b) is the figure when the user support page displayed via the display part 1205 in the application example of Example 4 is displayed with the web browser. (A)-(b) is the figure when the software download page displayed via the display part 1205 in the application example of Example 4 is displayed with the web browser. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram when a user support page displayed via a display unit 1205 is displayed by a Web browser in an application example of Example 4. 14 is a flowchart illustrating management application activation processing in a PC in an application example of the fourth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating management application activation processing in a PC in an application example of the fourth embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating management application activation processing in a PC in an application example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram when a user support page displayed via a display unit 1205 is displayed by a Web browser in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. It is a figure showing the information described in the registry of PC1 in the application example of Example 4. FIG. Reference numeral 161 denotes a display area showing the structure of the registry in a tree shape. It is a figure showing the information described in the registry of PC1 in the application example of Example 4. FIG. Reference numeral 166 denotes a display area showing the structure of the registry in a tree shape. (A)-(e) is a figure showing the example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via the display part 1205 in the application example of Example 4. FIG. It is a block diagram showing the structure in one Example of the system which consists of the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention, and a peripheral device in the application example of Example 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram when a user support page displayed via a display unit 1205 is displayed by a Web browser in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of a management application via a display unit 1205 in an application example of Example 4. 10 is a diagram illustrating a device ID in an application example of Embodiment 4. FIG.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration in an embodiment of a system including an information processing apparatus and peripheral devices according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1 and 2 denote information processing apparatuses, each of which is constituted by a general personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC). PC1 and PC2 are configured by hardware as will be described later with reference to FIG. Also, Windows (registered trademark) Vista of Microsoft Corporation is installed as an operation system (hereinafter referred to as OS). The PC1 and PC2 are connected to networks 4 and 8 made of, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark).

  Reference numerals 3, 5, 6, and 7 denote inkjet printers, which are examples of devices as peripheral devices in the present invention. Peripheral devices to which the present invention can be applied include printers, multifunction devices, and the like.

  The printer 3 is a printer with a model name “Kmmn” manufactured by ABC, and the destination is set to Japan (JPN). The printer 5 is also a printer with a model name “Kmmn” manufactured by ABC, but the destination is set to the United States (USA). The printer 6 is also a printer with a model name “Kmmn” manufactured by ABC, but the destination is set to France (FRA). The printer 7 is also a printer with a model name “Kmmn” manufactured by ABC Corporation, but the destination is set to Korea (KOR). The printers 3, 5, 6, and 7 are configured by hardware as will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, and are connected to the PC 1 via a predetermined communication line (network 4) so that bidirectional communication is possible.

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a management application (Device Management) for managing the printer, which includes an executable format file (* .EXE) for Windows (registered trademark) OS.

  The network 4 is a user using the printers 3, 5, 6, and 7, or a home network built in a home where a customer (Customer) lives. Here, it is assumed that the printers 3, 5, 6, and 7 are printers that are connected to the PC 1 via the network 4 in the customer environment and are shared and used by a plurality of users. The network 8 is a network constructed in the ABC company. The PC 2 connected to the network 8 includes a Web server 9 having a Web server function, and provides an ABC company Web site to customers via the Internet.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a CD-ROM that can be inserted into the PC 1 and stores various data such as software and electronic files. Reference numerals 11 and 12 are control files used for managing and controlling peripheral devices, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, and are distributed by the Web server 9 and the CD-ROM 10. Since the control files 11 and 12 in this embodiment are described in XML not including a script and are statically mounted, it is difficult to perform dynamic control at the time of execution, such as a general application or program. . In addition, if the control files 11 and 12 are altered, the printer and software may malfunction, so the signature is signed in the same way as general software. This prevents malfunction of the printer and software due to modification.

  Here, it is possible to execute management or the like using a program that can dynamically execute various processes according to the operation status / settings of the peripheral device in a PC or the like that conventionally manages the peripheral device such as a printer. There are also applications. However, in the case of a management application using such a program, there is a risk that a malicious program is overwritten, and there are cases where this is not desirable in terms of security. Therefore, in the management processing of the present invention, in consideration of security improvement, the embodiment assumes processing in an application provided based on static control files 11 and 12 instead of a program capable of dynamic control. explain.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the PC. PC1 and PC2 are configured by hardware as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 1 includes a random access memory (RAM 1201), a hard disk drive (HDD 1202) as a storage unit, a keyboard unit (KBD 1203) as an example of an input unit, and a CPU 1204 as a control unit. The display unit (LCD 1205), which is an example of a display unit, a network board (NB 1207), which is an example of a communication control unit, and a bus 1206 that connects these components to each other. The storage unit may be a portable CD-ROM or an internally installed ROM. Each module (software) shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is stored in the HDD 1202, read into the RAM 1201 as necessary, and executed by the CPU 1204. As a result, the CPU 1204 realizes the functions of the modules shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the printer. The printers 3, 5, 6, and 7 have a hardware configuration as shown in FIG.

  A CPU 15 includes a microprocessor and the like, and controls the RAM 17, the communication unit 18, and the recording unit 19 as a central control unit of the printer 3 according to a program stored in the ROM 16. The ROM 16 stores a program for performing a recording (printing) process by the printer and a process for transmitting its own state to the PC in accordance with control of a printer driver 50 (described later). The RAM 17 is mainly sent from the PC, and print data to be printed by the recording unit 19 based on the RAM 17 is temporarily stored.

  The communication unit 18 includes a connection port for a network and controls Ethernet (registered trademark) communication.

  The recording unit 19 includes a recording unit composed of an ink jet recording head, each color ink, a carriage, a recording paper transport mechanism, and the like, an ASIC for generating a printing pulse in the recording head based on the print data, and the like It is comprised from the electrical circuit comprised from this. Here, the display contents of the file opened by the application are temporarily stored in the HDD of the PC as an EMF format spool file according to the print instruction on the application capable of print instruction. The spool file is converted into print data including a printer control command via the printer driver 50 and then sent to the printer via the network 4. The print data received by the printer is converted into a printing pulse by the recording unit 19 and printed on the recording paper.

  An operation unit 20 includes various buttons such as a power button and a reset button, and can operate the printer. Reference numeral 21 denotes a display unit, which is composed of a touch panel liquid crystal display, and can display the status of the printer, display and input various settings, and the like.

  FIG. 4 shows a software configuration of the PC.

  92 is an Ethernet (registered trademark) control stack for controlling Ethernet (registered trademark), 91 is an IP network control stack for controlling IP Network, and 90 is a WSD control stack for controlling Device Profile for Web Service (WSD).

  Reference numeral 89 denotes an IHV native protocol control stack that controls the independent hardware vendor (IHV) proprietary protocol.

  Reference numeral 88 denotes an N-PnP control stack for controlling plug and play (hereinafter referred to as N-PnP) via a network. Here, Plug and Play Extensions (PnP-X) exists as a standard function in Windows (registered trademark) Vista OS as a series of plug-and-play extended functions that provide support for network-connected devices. In this embodiment, an example in which N-PnP is used as an equivalent function will be described.

  A device driver group (printer driver) 85 includes a standard driver group 87 bundled with the OS as a standard and an IHV driver group 86 provided by IHV.

  Reference numeral 84 denotes an application / DDI interface, which is composed of an application programming interface (API) and a device driver interface (DDI).

  An application group 82 includes management applications 80, 81, 98, and 100 for printer management, a printing application 30, and the like. Reference numerals 80, 81, 98, and 100 denote management applications. Here, it is assumed that device management (Device Management) included in the OS as a standard is performed. Reference numeral 30 denotes a print application capable of inputting a print instruction from a user, which will be described later with reference to FIG. For example, the management application 80 can instruct the display unit to display the print setting button 42, the maintenance button 43, and the cartridge purchase button 44, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, via the application / DDI interface 84. Further, it is assumed that the management application 81 can display a print setting button 45 and a maintenance button 46 described later in FIG. 8 on the display unit via the application / DDI interface 84. The management application 100 can display a power-on button 102 and a power-off button 103 (to be described later in FIG. 30) on the display unit via the application / DDI interface 84.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer driver or the like in the PC. In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes a printer driver for a printer installed in the PC 1 and is composed of a plurality of modules 33 to 39.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a print application that allows a user to input a print instruction, and corresponds to, for example, a text editor that is included as a standard with the OS.

  Reference numeral 31 is a graphics device interface (GDI), which is a part of the OS. A print queue 32 is configured as a part of the spooler 40, and print jobs generated based on data generated by a print application are queued. The queued print job is displayed as a printer queue folder.

  Reference numeral 33 denotes a print processor, which performs a change in print layout, various processing of print images, and the like. A graphics driver 34 performs image processing for printing based on a drawing command sent from the GDI 31 as a core of image processing of the printer driver, and generates a print control command. Reference numeral 35 denotes a UI module which provides and controls a user interface of a printer driver displayed via the display unit 1205. A language monitor 36 controls transmission / reception of data as a communication I / F. A status monitor 39 controls the display of the remaining amount of ink in the printer and the status of warnings and errors.

  A port monitor 37 transmits data sent from the language monitor 36 to an appropriate port, and receives data received from the printer via the class driver 38. Reference numeral 38 denotes a class driver, which is a low-level module closest to the port. The present invention corresponds to a printer class driver of a WSD or IHV proprietary protocol, and controls a port (for example, a network port).

  The printer driver 50 having these module configurations is manufactured by ABC, which is a printer manufacturer.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printer folder displayed via the display unit 1205.

  A printer folder 93 is displayed on the PC 1 and printers that can be used on the PC 1 are displayed therein. Here, the printers 3, 5, 6, and 7 are in a usable state.

  A printer icon 94 for the printer 3 displays a printer name “ABC Kmmn (JPN)” that can identify the printer 3. A printer icon 95 for the printer 5 displays a printer name “ABC Kmmn (USA)” that can identify the printer 5. A printer icon 96 for the printer 6 displays a printer name “ABC Kmmn (FRA)” that can identify the printer 6. A printer icon 97 for the printer 7 displays a printer name “ABC Kmmn (KOR)” that can identify the printer 7.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a print setting dialog displayed via the display unit 1205. Reference numeral 104 denotes a print setting dialog. By selecting each setting on the dialog, each print setting necessary for printing in the printer 3 can be performed.

  FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a maintenance dialog displayed via the display unit 1205. Reference numeral 105 denotes a maintenance dialog. By pressing each button on the dialog, maintenance such as cleaning of parts of the printer 3 and resetting of settings can be performed.

  FIG. 33 is a diagram when the cartridge purchase page displayed via the display unit 1205 is displayed by a Web browser. Reference numeral 106 denotes a Web browser, which can display the contents of the ABC company website provided by the Web server 9. Reference numeral 107 denotes a cartridge purchase page. By using this page, a cartridge suitable for each printer can be purchased online.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of the management application via the display unit 1205. The user can input the instruction to use the function of the management application 80 from this display screen and manage the printer 3. Reference numeral 72 denotes a printer name display portion on which the printer name of the printer icon 94 is displayed. Reference numeral 42 denotes a print setting button. When this button is pressed, a print setting dialog 104 shown in FIG. 31 is displayed in which each print setting necessary for printing in the printer 3 can be performed. Reference numeral 43 denotes a maintenance button. When this button is pressed, a maintenance dialog 105 shown in FIG. 32 is displayed in which operations necessary for maintenance of the printer 3 can be performed. Reference numeral 44 denotes a cartridge purchase button. When this button is pressed, the Web browser 106 shown in FIG. 33 is activated, and a cartridge purchase page 107 on the Web site where the cartridge for the printer 3 can be purchased online is displayed. The On each button 42, 43, 44, a Japanese character string is displayed according to the destination of the printer 3.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of the management application via the display unit 1205. The user can instruct to use the function of the management application 81 from this display screen and manage the printer 5. Reference numeral 73 denotes a printer name display portion on which the printer name of the printer icon 95 is displayed. Reference numeral 45 denotes a print setting button. When this button is pressed, a print setting dialog for performing each print setting necessary for printing in the printer 5 is displayed. Reference numeral 46 denotes a maintenance button. When this button is pressed, a maintenance dialog for performing various operations necessary for maintenance of the printer 5 is displayed. An English character string is displayed on the maintenance buttons 45 and 46 according to the destination of the printer 5.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of the management application via the display unit 1205. The user can input the instruction to use the function of the management application 98 from this display screen and manage the printer 6. A printer name display portion 74 displays the printer name of the printer icon 96. Here, since there are no buttons that can be operated, settings relating to the printer 6 cannot be performed from the display screen 98, but it can be seen that the printer 6 is connected to the PC 1 because this management application is activated.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of the management application via the display unit 1205. The user can input the instruction to use the function of the management application 100 from this display screen and manage the printer 6. Reference numeral 101 denotes a printer name display portion, which shows an example in which the printer name of the printer icon 97 is displayed. Reference numeral 102 denotes a power-on button. When this button is pressed, the printer 7 can be turned on. Reference numeral 103 denotes a power-off button. When this button is pressed, the printer 7 can be turned off.

  FIG. 10 shows a device ID that is identification information for uniquely identifying a printer.

(A) is the device ID of the printer 3 and represents the following information.
Manufacturer (MFG): ABC
Model (MDL): Kmmn
Class (CLS): PRINTER
Command (CMD): K4 (ABC private print control command)
Description (DES): ABC Kmmn
Destination (LOC): JPN (Japan)
(B) is the device ID of the printer 5 and represents the following information.
Manufacturer (MFG): ABC
Model (MDL): Kmmn
Class (CLS): PRINTER
Command (CMD): K4 (ABC private print control command)
Description (DES): ABC Kmmn
Destination (LOC): USA (USA)
(C) is the device ID of the printer 6 and represents the following information.
Manufacturer (MFG): ABC
Model (MDL): Kmmn
Class (CLS): PRINTER
Command (CMD): K4 (ABC private print control command)
Description (DES): ABC Kmmn
Destination (LOC): FRA (France)
(D) is the device ID of the printer 7 and represents the following information.
Manufacturer (MFG): ABC
Model (MDL): Kmmn
Class (CLS): PRINTER
Command (CMD): K4 (ABC private print control command)
Description (DES): ABC Kmmn
Destination (LOC): KOR (Korea)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a destination of a printer and a device ID. From this correspondence table, the destination of each printer can be determined from the value (character string) set in “LOC:” representing the destination included in the device ID shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the contents of a part of a control file used for printer management and control. In this control file, the button displayed on the display unit as a function of the management application and the function of the button according to the value (character string) set in “LOC:” included in the device ID are displayed. Contains information to represent. Information shown in FIG. 12 is stored as part of the control files 11 and 12.

  In FIG. 12, in the <dm: manufacturer> element, the name of the ABC company that is the manufacturer of the device (printer 3, 5, 6, 7, etc.) is set. In the <dm: model> element, Kmmn, which is the model name of the device (printer 3, 5, 6, 7, etc.) is set.

  In FIG. 12, in the <dm: keywordInDeviceId string = “LOC: JPN”> element, information corresponding to the display screen by the management application 80 activated when the printer 3 whose destination is Japan is connected to the PC 1 is displayed. It has been described. Specifically, three <dm: function> elements representing the respective buttons and their functions are included so that the print setting button 42, the maintenance button 43, and the cartridge purchase button 44 shown in FIG. 7 are displayed. .

  For example, in the first <dm: function> element, it is displayed on the print setting button 42 in the <dm: name xml: lang = “ja”> print setting </ dm: name> element in the next line. The Japanese character string “print setting” is set. In addition, a code “printingPreferences” representing a function for displaying a print setting dialog is set in the <dm: execute> printingPreferences </ dm: execute> element on the next line.

  In the second <dm: function> element, the <dm: name xml: lang = “ja”> maintenance </ dm: name> element on the next line is called “maintenance” displayed on the maintenance button 43. A Japanese character string is set. In the next line, the <dm: execution> printerMaintenance </ dm: execution> element is set with a code "printerMaintenance" representing a function for displaying a maintenance dialog.

  In the third <dm: function> element, in the next line, <dm: name xml: lang = “ja”> buy cartridge </ dm: name> element, the “cartridge” displayed on the cartridge purchase button 44 is displayed. The Japanese character string “Purchase” is set. In the next line, <dm: execute> http: // abc. xxx / buyink / index. In the html </ dm: execute> element, the URL of the cartridge purchase page of the Web site where the cartridge for the printer 3 can be purchased is set.

  Further, in FIG. 12, <dm: keywordInDeviceId string = “LOC: USA”> element includes information corresponding to a display screen by the management application 81 that is activated when the printer 5 whose destination is the United States is connected to the PC 1. Is described. Specifically, two <dm: function> elements representing each button and its function are included so that the print setting button 45 and the maintenance button 46 shown in FIG. 8 are displayed.

  For example, in the first <dm: function> element, the <dm: name xml: lang = “en-US”> Printing Preferences </ dm: name> element on the next line is displayed on the print setting button 45. An English character string “Printing Preferences” is set. In addition, a code “printingPreferences” representing a function for displaying a print setting dialog is set in the <dm: execute> printingPreferences </ dm: execute> element on the next line.

  Furthermore, in the second <dm: function> element, the <dm: name xml: lang = “en-US”> Maintenance </ dm: name> element is displayed on the maintenance button 46 in the next line. An English character string “Maintenance” is set. In the next line, the <dm: execution> printerMaintenance </ dm: execution> element is set with a code "printerMaintenance" representing a function for displaying a maintenance dialog.

  Here, the <dm: keywordInDeviceId string = “LOC: FRA”> element is an empty element, and no <dm: function> element is included. As a result, the display screen by the management application 98 activated when the printer 6 whose destination is France is connected to the PC 1 is displayed without the operable buttons as shown in FIG. .

  The content of the control file shown in FIG. 12 does not include the element <dm: keywordInDeviceId string = “LOC: KOR”> for the printer 7 whose destination is Korea. Therefore, when the printer 7 is connected to the PC 1, a management application common to all devices is activated, and a screen display as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed on the display unit.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing in the PC when the printer is connected.

  First, when the printer 3 is connected to the PC 1 via the network 4 (S1301), the device ID of the printer 3 to which the OS is connected is acquired in S1302. In S1303, it is determined whether a device driver (here, the printer driver 50) corresponding to the printer 3 to which the OS is connected has been installed in the PC 1. If it is determined in S1303 that the installation has been completed, the process moves to S1305. If it is determined in S1303 that the OS has not been installed, the printer driver 50 is installed in S1304. Here, the device driver may be installed from a printer or another external device via a network, for example.

  In step S1305, after the OS loads the printer driver 50, it is determined in step S1306 whether a control file corresponding to the connected printer has been installed in the storage unit of the PC1. If it is determined in step S1306 that the control file has been installed, the process advances to step S1309. If it is determined in S1306 that the control file has not been installed, control file installation processing by the OS described later with reference to FIG. 14 is executed (S1307).

  In S1308, the OS determines whether the control file (FIG. 12) is stored in the storage unit on the PC. When the control file is stored in the storage unit, the process proceeds to S1309. If the control file is not stored in the storage unit, the process proceeds to S1310, and the process at the time of connection with the printer is terminated. In step S1309, management application activation processing, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing control file installation processing by the OS in the PC.

  In response to S1307 in FIG. 13, the control file installation process by the OS is started (S1401).

  In S1402, the manufacturer (MFG :) and model (MDL :) information included in the device ID of the printer 3 connected via the network 4 is confirmed.

  Thereafter, in S1403, the control file 11 or control file 12 for the printer 3 is searched from the control file stored on the Web server 9 or the CD-ROM 10 inserted in the PC 1. In S1404, it is determined whether the control file 11 or the control file 12 is found. If a control file is found in S1404, the control file is stored in the HDD 1202 of the PC 1 (S1405). In step S1406, the OS associates (installs) the control file for the printer 3 with the management application. When these processes are completed, the installation process is terminated (S1407).

  If the control files 11 and 12 are not found in S1404, the installation process is not performed and the process is terminated (S1407).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing management application activation processing in the PC.

  In S1309 in FIG. 13, when the management application activation process is instructed by the OS, the management application is activated in S1501, and this process is started. In step S1502, the management application confirms the device ID of the printer 3 connected via the network 4, and in step S1503 confirms the destination location (LOC :) information included in the device ID.

  In S1504, the contents to be displayed by the management application are determined from the destination (LOC :) information confirmed in S1503 and the control file saved in S1405 in FIG. In step S1505, the management application 80 performs control for displaying the display content determined in step S1504 on the display unit as a display associated with activation. Thereafter, the management application activation process is terminated (S1506).

<Second embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the system in the second embodiment. The printer 1606 is connected to the PC 1601 via an interface 1605. The interface 1605 is an arbitrary interface such as USB or Ethernet (registered trademark).

  A management application (Device Management in the figure) 1603 is an application equivalent to that described with reference to FIGS. The control file 1603 is used by the management application 1603 to read and determine display contents.

  The control module 1604 is a module that is accessed when the management application 1603 determines display contents and the like. The control module 1604 accesses the printer 1606 to acquire printer information (device ID and the like), and performs processing based on the acquired printer information. Details will be described later. The control module may be distributed by the Web server 9 or the CD-ROM 10 in the same manner as the control file.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display screen 1701 by the management application when the destination of the printer is Japan. Reference numeral 1702 denotes a display unit such as a printer name. Reference numeral 1703 denotes a print setting button, whose display name is “print setting” in Japanese. When this button is pressed, a print setting dialog box capable of making settings necessary for printing is displayed. Reference numeral 1704 denotes a cartridge purchase button whose display name is “cartridge purchase” in Japanese. When this button is pressed, a Web browser is activated and a Web site where ink can be purchased is displayed via the Web browser. Here, this Web site is a service for Japan.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display screen 1801 by the management application when the destination of the printer is USA. Reference numeral 1802 denotes a display portion such as a printer name. A print setting button 1803 has a display name “Printing Preferences” displayed in English. When this button is pressed, a print setting dialog box capable of making settings necessary for printing is displayed. Here, a cartridge purchase button such as 1704 in FIG. 17 is not displayed.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the contents of a part of the control file. This control file includes information indicating the correspondence between the buttons displayed on the display unit as functions of the management application and the functions of the buttons. The information shown in FIG. 19 is stored as part of the files 11 and 12 for use.

  In FIG. 19, in the <dm: manufacturer> element, the name of the ABC company that is the manufacturer of the device (printer 3, 5, 6, 7) is set. In the <dm: model> element, Kmmn, which is the model name of the device (printer 3, 5, 6, 7), is set. In the <dm: functions> element, a button displayed on the management application and a function of the button are described.

<Print setting button>
In FIG. 19, a <dm: function nameDLL = “vendor.dll” name = “10”> element includes a description related to a print setting button. “NameDLL =“ vendor. The description “dll” ”indicates that the control module name including the character string displayed on the button is“ vendor.dll ”. Also, “name =“ 10 ”” describes the ID of the character string, and here the ID indicates “10”.

  Furthermore, a code “printingPreferences” representing a function for displaying a print setting dialog is set in the <dm: execute> printingPreferences </ dm: execute> element.

<Cartridge purchase button>
In the <dm: getKeyword DLL = "vendor.dll" keywordName = "LOC"> element, there is a code for accessing the control module "vendor.dll" and obtaining the value of the keyword "LOC" (destination information). It has been described.

  The <dm: keywordFound keywordName = “LOC” keywordValue = “JPN”> element describes a button displayed when the value of the keyword “LOC” is “JPN” and the function of the button.

  The <dm: function nameDLL = "vendor.dll" name = "20"> element contains a description regarding the cartridge purchase button. “NameDLL =“ vendor. In “dll” ”, a control module name including a character string displayed on the button is described. Here,“ vendor.dll ”is indicated. In “name =“ 20 ””, an ID of a character string is described. Here, the ID indicates “20”.

  <Dm: execute> http: // abc. xxx / buyink / index. In the html </ dm: execute> element, a URL (“http://abc.xxx/buyink/index.html”) of a Web site where the cartridge can be purchased is set.

  If the value of the keyword “LOC” is other than “JPN”, the cartridge purchase button is not displayed.

  FIG. 20 is a visual representation of the interfaces that the control module 1604 supports.

  Reference numeral 2002 denotes an IX interface, and a management application for managing devices can access the interface and acquire a character string to be displayed on the button as described above. When a character string ID is set as a parameter in the IX interface, a character string corresponding to the ID can be acquired. For example, when 10 is designated as the character string ID shown in FIG. 19, a character string “print setting” can be acquired.

  Reference numeral 2003 denotes an IY interface, and the management application can access this interface and acquire the value of an arbitrary keyword. When a keyword (for example, “LOC”) is set as a parameter in the IY interface, the value of the keyword (for example, “JPN”) can be acquired. For example, for destination information, the keyword value is obtained from a connected printer.

  The interface here is an interface between parts of a computer program, and is a function exported from a DLL or a COM interface.

  Next, a process for determining a character string on the screen displayed as a function of a management application (Device Management in the figure) in the PC will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S2101, the management application refers to the control file and acquires a control module name and a character string ID. Here, for example, <dm: function nameDLL = "vendor.dll" name = "10"> is described in the control file, the control module name is "vendor.dll", and the character string ID is "10". It becomes.

  In step S2102, the device management requests the control module for a character string corresponding to the character string ID “10” using the IX interface. In step S2103, the control module requests destination information from the connected printer and receives the response to obtain destination information. In step S2104, the character string having the character string ID “10” corresponding to the destination information is acquired. These processes will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S2105, the management application performs control for displaying the character string returned from the control module on the display unit.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a process in which the control module determines a character string.
In S2801, processing is started. In S2802, a character string ID is received as a parameter from the management application via the IX interface. In step S2803, the destination information is acquired from the connected printer.

  In steps S2804 to S2807, processing for acquiring a character string with a character string ID corresponding to the acquired destination information is shown. In S2804, the value designated by the acquired destination information is determined. If Japan (JPN) is designated as the destination of the printer, a Japanese character string is acquired in S2805. For example, when the character string ID is “10” and the destination information of the printer indicates Japan, the character string “print setting” is acquired. If the United States (USA) is designated as the destination of the printer, an English character string is acquired in S2806. For example, when the character string ID is “10” and the destination information of the printer indicates the United States, the character string “Printing Preferences” is acquired.

  If xxx is designated as the destination of the printer, a character string of xxx words is acquired in S2807.

  The character string (such as “print setting”) acquired in step S2808 is returned to the management application via the IX interface, and the process ends in step S2809.

  Next, processing for determining a button on the screen displayed as a function of a management application (Device Management in the figure) in the PC will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S2201, the management application refers to the control file and acquires the control module name and keyword. Here, for example, <dm: getKeyword DLL = "vendor.dll" keywordName = "LOC"> is described in the control file, the control module name is "vendor.dll", and the keyword name is "LOC". .

  In step S2202, the device management requests a value of the keyword name “LOC” from the control module using the IY interface. In step S2203, the control module requests destination information from the connected printer and receives the response to obtain destination information. In step S2204, the destination information is acquired as the keyword value. These processes will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  In step S2205, the management application refers to the control file to check whether there is a button corresponding to the keyword value ("JPN") returned from the control module.

Specifically, assume that the control file has the following description, for example.
<Dm: keywordFound keywordName = “LOC” keywordValue = “JPN”>
<Dm: function nameDLL = "vendor.dll" name = "20">
<Dm: execute> http: // abc. xxx / buyink / index. html </ dm: execute>
</ Dm: function>
</ Dm: keywordFound>
Here, when the value of the keyword “LOC” is “JPN”, it is confirmed that there is a cartridge purchase button.

  In S2206, the management application performs control for displaying the button if it is confirmed that there is a button based on the confirmation of the presence or absence of the button in S2205, and particularly controls display if it is confirmed that there is no button. Absent. In this embodiment, as the keyword value, when the destination of the printer is “JPN”, a cartridge purchase button is displayed as shown in FIG. 17, and when the destination of the printer is “USA”, the cartridge is purchased as shown in FIG. The button is not displayed in particular.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a process in which the control module determines a keyword value.
First, processing is started in S2901, and the keyword “LOC” is received as a parameter from the management application via the IY interface in S2902. The destination information is acquired from the printer connected in step S2903.

  In S2904 to S2907, keyword values corresponding to the acquired destination information are acquired and set. In S9804, the value designated by the acquired destination information is determined. If Japan (JPN) is designated as the destination of the printer, the keyword value is set to “JPN” in S2905. If the United States (USA) is specified as the destination of the printer, the keyword value is set to “USA” in S2906. If xxx is specified as the destination of the printer, the keyword value is “xxx” in S2907. Is set.

  The keyword value acquired in S2908 is returned to the management application via the IY interface, and the process ends in S2909.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27 and FIGS.

  FIG. 23 shows information described in the registry of PC1. Reference numeral 2301 denotes a display screen of the registry editor.

  Reference numeral 2302 denotes a display area showing the configuration of the registry in a tree shape. In this example, a registry key “My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ ABC Kmmn (JPN)” is selected. Reference numeral 2303 denotes a display area indicating values described in the registry key selected in 2302. Here, “LOC” 2304 exists as a value name, and “LOC” 2304 indicates that the data type is “REG_SZ” 2305 and data of the value “JPN” 2306 is stored.

  This registry information is described by a module different from the management application. For example, when a printer icon is generated, it may be described as printer information corresponding to itself by a printer driver. The description of the printer information in the registry is not limited to the printer driver, and may be performed by another dedicated application.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a screen 2401 displayed as a function of the management application in the third embodiment. In this figure, also in this embodiment, the management of the printer can be performed using the management application.

  Reference numeral 2402 denotes a printer name display portion where the printer name of the printer icon 94 is displayed.

  Reference numeral 2403 denotes a print setting button, and when this button is pressed, a print setting dialog for performing each print setting necessary for printing in the printer 3 is displayed. For example, a Japanese character string “print setting” is displayed on the print setting button 2403 according to the destination of the printer 3. Reference numeral 2404 denotes a maintenance button. When this button is pressed, a maintenance dialog is displayed that allows each operation necessary for maintenance of the printer 3 to be performed. On the maintenance button 2404, a Japanese character string “maintenance” is displayed in accordance with the destination of the printer 3. Reference numeral 2405 denotes a cartridge purchase button. When this button is pressed, a Web browser is activated, and a cartridge purchase page of a Web site where a cartridge for the printer 3 can be purchased is displayed on the Web browser. On the cartridge purchase button 2405, a Japanese character string “cartridge purchase” is displayed according to the destination of the printer 3.

FIG. 25 shows a screen 2501 displayed as a function of the management application.
A printer name display portion 2502 displays the printer name of the printer icon 95.

  Reference numeral 2503 denotes a print setting button. When this button is pressed, a print setting dialog is displayed in which each print setting necessary for printing in the printer 5 can be performed. On the print setting button 2503, an English character string “Printing Preferences” is displayed according to the destination of the printer 5. Reference numeral 2504 denotes a maintenance button. When this button is pressed, a maintenance dialog for performing various operations necessary for maintenance of the printer 5 is displayed. An English character string “Maintenance” is displayed on the maintenance button 2504 according to the destination of the printer 5.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a part of the contents of the control file according to the third embodiment. In this control file, information indicating the correspondence between the button displayed on the display unit as the function of the management application and the function of the button according to the value stored in “LOC” described in the registry of the PC 1 is displayed. include. These pieces of information are stored in the control files 11 and 12.

  First, in the <dm: manufacturer> element, the name of the ABC company that is the manufacturer of the device (printer 3, 5, 6, 7, etc.) is set.

  <Dm: keywordInRegistry key = “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ¥ SOFTWARE ¥ ABC ¥ ABC Kmmn (JPN)” value = “LOC: JPN”> element is activated when the printer 3 whose destination is Japan is connected to PC1 There is a description about managed applications. Specifically, in this element, three <dm: function> elements representing each button and function are included so that each button 2403, 2404, and 2405 shown in FIG. 24 is displayed.

  In the first <dm: function> element, in the <dm: name xml: lang = “ja”> print setting </ dm: name> element, “print setting” displayed in Japan on the print setting button 2403 The word string is set. In the <dm: execute> printingPreferences </ dm: execute> element on the next line, a code “printingPreferences” representing a function for displaying a print setting dialog is set.

  In the second <dm: function> element, the <dm: name xml: lang = “ja”> maintenance </ dm: name> element displays the Japanese character “maintenance” displayed on the maintenance button 2404. The column is set. In the <dm: execution> printerMaintenance </ dm: execution> element on the next line, a code “printerMaintenance” representing a function for displaying a maintenance dialog is set.

  In the third <dm: function> element, <dm: name xml: lang = “ja”> cartridge purchase </ dm: name> element, “cartridge purchase” in Japan displayed on the cartridge purchase button 2405 The word string is set. <Dm: execute> http: // abc. xxx / buyink / index. html? In the LOC = JPN </ dm: execute> element, a URL to a cartridge purchase page of a website in Japan (JPN) where ink can be purchased is set.

  Also, the <dm: keywordInRegistry key = “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ¥ SOFTWARE ¥ ABC ¥ ABC Kmmn (USA)” value = “LOC” string = “USA”> is connected to the printer 5 with the destination being the United States. There is a description about the management application that is started when Specifically, in this element, two <dm: function> elements representing respective buttons and functions are included so that the buttons 2503 and 2504 shown in FIG. 25 are displayed.

  In the first <dm: function> element, in the <dm: name xml: lang = “en-US”> Printing Preferences <// dm: name> element, “Printing Preferences” displayed on the print setting button 2503 The English string is set. In the <dm: execute> printingPreferences </ dm: execute> element on the next line, a code “printingPreferences” representing a function for displaying a print setting dialog is set.

  The <dm: name xml: lang = “en-US”> Maintenance </ dm: name> element in the second <dm: function> element is an English word “Maintenance” displayed on the maintenance button 2504. A character string is set. In the <dm: execution> printerMaintenance </ dm: execution> element on the next line, a code “printerMaintenance” representing a function for displaying a maintenance dialog is set.

  As described above, here, an example of controlling the display and function of the cartridge purchase button from the information described in the registry and the control file is given. In addition, for example, a switch for turning on / off an online cartridge purchase function may be described as registry information, and display / non-display of the cartridge purchase button may be automatically switched according to the registry information. . In this case, control is performed such that the cartridge button is displayed only when information indicating that the online cartridge purchasing function is on is described in the registry.

  In addition, by describing the installation status of drivers and other software as registry information, display control such as automatically turning on / off the display of the print setting button 2503 is possible according to the registry information. . Furthermore, it is possible to control to automatically turn on / off the display of the print setting button 2503, for example, according to the result of checking whether or not there is a driver or other software module as well as the registry information.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating management application activation processing on the PC 1 according to the third embodiment.

  In S2701, the OS instructs the management application to start, and the start processing is started.

  In S2702, the started management application confirms the value of the registry key. This registry key refers to the registry key described in the key of the <dm: keywordInRegistry> element described in the control file. In S2703, the management application confirms the value set in “LOC” described in the registry key confirmed in S2702 as the destination information.

  In S2704, the contents to be displayed by the management application are determined from the destination information confirmed in S2703 and the control file shown in FIG. In step S2705, control is performed to display the display content determined in step S2704 on the display unit as a display associated with activation of the management application. Thereafter, the management application activation process is terminated (S2706).

  Note that the startup process described in FIG. 27 differs from the startup process described in FIG. 15 at a location that is referred to in order to acquire printer destination information.

<Application in the third embodiment>
An example in which the registry is described in a format different from that described in the third embodiment will be described below. FIG. 35 shows information described in the registry of PC1. Reference numeral 3501 denotes a display screen of the registry editor.

  Reference numeral 3502 denotes a display area showing the structure of the registry in a tree shape. In this example, a registry key “My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ ABC Kmmn (USA)” is selected. A display area 3503 indicates a value described in the registry key selected in 3502. Here, “LOC” 3504 exists as a value name, and “LOC” 3504 indicates that the data type is “REG_SZ” 3505 and data of the value “US-English” 3506 is stored. . When the data value is described in the registry as “US-English”, a method of describing “US-English” in the control file is also conceivable. However, even if “US-Spanish” is described in the registry, if it is desired to perform the same processing as “US-English” on the control file, a plurality of settings must be described on the control file. .

  The control file description to avoid this problem is shown below.

  FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the control file in this application example. In this control file, information indicating the correspondence between the button displayed on the display unit as the function of the management application and the function of the button according to the value stored in “LOC” described in the registry of the PC 1 is displayed. include. These pieces of information are stored in the control files 11 and 12.

  The <dm: KeywordInRegistry path = “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ¥ SOFTWARE ¥ ABC ¥ ABC Kmmn (USA)”> element describes a management application that is activated when the printer 5 is connected to the PC 1.

  Next, <dm: KeywordInRegistryValue type = “REG_SZ” name = “LOC” value = “US” search = “part”>, the data type is “REG_SZ”, and the data name is “LOC” It is described that there is. Furthermore, the data value is “US” and a condition “search =“ part ”” for matching this value with a value actually described in the registry is described.

  “Search =“ part ”” indicates a state in which it is specified to search whether or not the value “US” of the control file is included in part of the values described in the registry. In the example shown in the figure, the cartridge purchase button is not displayed when “US” is not included.

  On the other hand, 2501 to 2504 shown in FIG. 39 are the same as 2501 to 2504 in FIG. 25. In the example of FIG. 39, a cartridge purchase button 2505 is displayed when “US” is included.

In addition, in the attribute value of the “search” attribute, conditions such as forward matching and backward matching can be described.
Example of matching within 5 characters from the front:
search = “part_5_from_left”
Example of matching within 8 characters from the back:
search = “part_8_from_right”
In addition, as a second application example of the example described above in the third embodiment, an example in which registry data is described in the DWORD format is shown below.
FIG. 37 shows information described in the registry of PC1. Reference numeral 3701 denotes a display screen of the registry editor.

  Reference numeral 3702 denotes a display area showing the structure of the registry in a tree shape. In this example, a registry key “My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ ABC Kmmn (USA)” is selected. Reference numeral 3703 denotes a display area indicating a value described in the registry key selected in 3702. Here, “INKREMAIN” 3704 exists as the name of the value, and “INKREMAIN” 3704 indicates that the data type is “REG_DWORD” 3705 and data of the value “10” 3706 is stored.

  When the registry data value is smaller than “20”, the description of the control file for enabling the specific function uniformly is shown below.

  FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the contents of a part of the control file in this application example. In this control file, information indicating the correspondence between the button displayed on the display unit as the function of the management application and the function of the button according to the value stored in “INKREMAIN” described in the registry of the PC 1 is stored. include. These pieces of information are stored in the control files 11 and 12.

  The <dm: KeywordInRegistry path = “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ¥ SOFTWARE ¥ ABC ¥ ABC Kmmn (USA)”> element describes a management application that is activated when the printer 5 is connected to the PC 1.

  Next, <dm: KeywordInRegistryValue type = “REG_DWORD” name = “INKREMAIN” value = “20” search = “smaller”> The data type is “REG_DWORD”, and the data name is “INK”. It is described that there is. Further, the data value is “20” and the condition “search =“ smaller ”” for matching this value with the value actually described in the registry is described.

  “Search =“ smaller ”” indicates a state in which a search is made as to whether or not the value described in the registry is smaller than the value in the control file. In the example shown in the figure, the cartridge purchase button is not displayed when the value described in the registry is 20 or more.

  In the example of FIG. 39, a cartridge purchase button is displayed when the value described in the registry is smaller than 20.

In addition, it is possible to describe conditions such as whether the attribute value of the “search” attribute has a large value, whether the values match completely, or matches as a bit flag.
Example when the value is large:
search = “larger”
Example when the values match:
search = “equal”
Example of determining match as a bit flag:
search = “bit_compare”
In the third embodiment, the type of registry data has been described with reference to “REG_SZ” and “REG_DWORD”, but the same control is possible even if the type of registry data is “REG_BINARY”.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the above-described embodiment, the management processing using a control file dedicated to one device (printer), that is, a device (printer) called Kmmn of ABC, has been described. Therefore, in this embodiment, a process in the case where a management application manages a plurality of devices by providing a control file for one or a set of a plurality of devices will be described. In particular, description will be made regarding display control and other processes such as a link button to a user support page of a Web site and a link button to a software download page in a management application.

  Since a plurality of devices can be managed by such a single control file or a set of control files, it is particularly effective when general-purpose devices are supported together. Specifically, development efficiency can be improved and costs can be reduced. In addition, operability is improved because user operations can be unified without depending on the model of the device.

  FIG. 69 is a block diagram showing a configuration in an embodiment of a system including an information processing apparatus and peripheral devices according to the present invention. In the figure, the description of the parts described above with reference to FIG. 1 is omitted.

  130, 131, and 204 are color inkjet printers, which are examples of peripheral devices in the present invention. The printer 130 is a model of Opqq manufactured by ABC Corporation, and the destination is set to Japan (JPN). The printer 131 is a printer of model Rsst manufactured by ABC, and the destination is set to the United States (USA). The printer 204 is a model of model “Def” manufactured by ABC, and the destination is set to France (FRA).

  Reference numeral 129 denotes a setup application stored in the CD-ROM 10. By executing this application, a printer driver is set up on the PC.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a printer folder displayed via the display unit 1205.
Reference numeral 110 denotes a printer icon for the printer 5. The destination of the printer 5 is the United States, but since the printer driver 50 is prepared for all destinations here, the printer name “ABC Kmmn” is displayed on the printer icon.

  FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of the management application via the display unit 1205. The user can input a command to use the function of the management application from the display screen 111 provided by the management application 80 and manage the printer.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a printer name display section. Here, an example of displaying a case in which a printer has not been specified is shown, and all model names of printers that are supported by the management application are displayed. Reference numeral 113 denotes a print setting button. When this button is pressed, a print setting dialog is displayed in which each print setting necessary for printing in the printer can be performed. Reference numeral 114 denotes a maintenance button. When this button is pressed, a maintenance dialog for performing various operations necessary for printer maintenance is displayed.

  Reference numeral 116 denotes a support button, which is a button that accepts an instruction for transitioning to a screen when providing user support. Reference numeral 117 denotes a download button, which is a button for accepting an instruction for transition to a screen for providing software download. Here, the support button 116 and the download button 117 are displayed in different icons, and are displayed as colors and shapes that bring together the services to be provided. Processing when these buttons are pressed will be described later.

  FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed as a function of the management application via the display unit 1205. For example, the display screen 115 is displayed in response to pressing of the support button 116 in FIG. Here, reference numeral 175 denotes a printer name display portion.

  Reference numeral 118 denotes a support button for Japan. When this button is pressed, Japan is set as the destination (regional information). Then, a user support page 179 of the website for the Japanese market shown in FIG. 70 is displayed via the web browser 106 operating on the PC. Reference numeral 119 denotes an American support button. When this button is pressed, similarly, a user support page 152 for the US market shown in FIG. 59 is displayed on the Web browser 106. 120 is a support button for Europe and 121 is an support button for Asia. When the button is pressed, similarly, a user support page of a website for a market in each region is displayed on the web browser 106.

  All the support buttons 118, 119, 120, and 121 of each country may be displayed in a unified manner with the same color and shape icons as the support buttons 116. Thereby, since it can be visually easily associated that the user selects a region and links to the user support page of the website, operability can be greatly improved.

  FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed as a function of the management application via the display unit 1205. For example, the display screen 146 is displayed in response to the download button 117 in FIG. 41 being pressed. Here, reference numeral 176 denotes a printer name display portion.

Reference numeral 122 denotes a Japanese download button. When this button is pressed, Japan is set as the destination (regional information). Then, the software download page of the website for the Japanese market is displayed via the web browser 106 operating on the PC.
123 is a download button for the United States, 124 is for Europe, and 125 is for Asia. When the button is pressed, similarly, a software download page of a website for a market in each region is displayed on the web browser 106.

  All the download buttons 122, 123, 124, and 125 of each country may be displayed with the same color / shape icons as the download buttons 117. Accordingly, it is possible to visually easily associate that the user selects a region and links to the software download page of the website, so that operability can be greatly improved.

  FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating information described in the registry of the PC 1.

Reference numeral 127 denotes a display area showing the configuration of the registry in a tree shape.
In this example, the registry key "My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Kmmn" is selected.

Reference numeral 128 denotes a display area indicating the value described in the registry key selected in 127.
Here, the name “CD_Name” represents the name of the CD-ROM 10, and data “USA_CD” whose data type is “REG_SZ” is stored. In addition, the area name is represented by the name “AREA”, and information “America” whose data type is “REG_SZ” is also stored.

  These registry keys and registry information are described by the setup application when the setup application 129 for printer setup, which is different from the management application, is executed. The setup application 129 is usually bundled with the printer. For example, a CD-ROM and a setup application for each region are prepared for a plurality of regions such as Japan and the United States. An example of registry information to be described when the setup application for each region sets up is shown below.

Japan:
CD_Name REG_SZ JPN_CD
AREA REG_SZ Japan
America:
CD_Name REG_SZ USA_CD
AREA REG_SZ America
Europe:
CD_Name REG_SZ EUR_CD
AREA REG_SZ Europe
Asia:
CD_Name REG_SZ ASIA_CD
AREA REG_SZ Asia
The registry key created by the setup application 129 includes the model name of the printer, for example, Kmmn. Therefore, the device model name and regional information can be acquired from these registry keys and registry information.

  Here, as information to be set in the AREA, an initial value when the setup application for each area is executed on the OS for the area is set. Not limited to this example, when the setup application is started, the setup application may provide a display of a screen that allows the user to select a region, and the region name selected by the user on this screen may be set in AREA. In this case, since the area name selected by the user's intention is set as AREA information, information that respects the user's intention is set in the registry. By using this information preferentially, it is possible to realize a device management method with excellent operability reflecting the user's intention. In the following description, a case where an initial value is set as information set in AREA will be described.

  FIG. 45 shows information described in the registry of PC1.

Reference numeral 133 denotes a display area showing the configuration of the registry in a tree shape.
In this example, a registry key “My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn \ LOC: USA” is selected.

  Reference numeral 134 denotes a display area indicating values described in the registry key selected in 133. Here, only the default registry information created when creating this registry key is described. This registry key is created when the language monitor 36 acquires the device ID shown in FIG. 10 from the printer 5 when the printer driver 50 is operated, creates registry key information from the information, and writes it in the registry. The The created registry key includes the model name of the device acquired from the device ID and the destination information of the device. This destination information can be regional information. Therefore, the model name and area information of the device can be acquired from this registry key.

  Note that the registry key creation method is not limited to this method. For example, the printer driver 50 may be realized by any other method that produces a similar result, such as creating a similar registry key based on information about a device obtained by another means.

The registry information described with reference to FIGS. 44 and 45 differs depending on the user installation method and the like. Here, for example, it is assumed that a registry key is created at the time of installation using the setup application 129, installation by plug and play, or acquisition of information (device ID) from the printer by the function of the driver. The registry key information created by any of these is divided into the following four cases.
Case 1: Neither model name nor area information is known (explains Fig. 48 etc.)
Case 2: Model name can be specified, but regional information is unknown Case 3: Model name is unknown, but regional information can be specified (explained in Fig. 66, etc.)
Case 4: Case where both model name and area information can be specified (explained in Fig. 51, 52, etc.)
In cases 2 and 3, cases where either the model name or the region information is unknown are listed. This is because there are cases where the setup application 129 does not have the function of describing the region information in the registry information, or the printer does not have the function of incorporating the destination information into the device ID. Such a case exists as one of the characteristics in the case of realizing device management capable of managing a plurality of printers with one or a set of control files.

  The series of description contents shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 represent part of the contents of a control file used for printer management and control. The information shown here is stored as a part of the control files 11 and 12. Specifically, as a function of the management application corresponding to the registry information, the button displayed on the display unit and the function of the button are displayed. Information indicating correspondence is included. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  46 and 47, <dm: model> element describes model names, Kmmn, Deef, Opq, and Rsst of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed using this control file.

The first <dm: keywordInRegistry> element describes the control when the setup application 129 sets the following registry key and registry information. This represents case 4 described above.
(Registry key) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Kmmn
(Registry information) CD_Name REG_SZ JPN_CD
In this example, when the model name is Kmmn and CD_Name is JPN_CD, the Japanese support button 136 and the Japanese download button 137 shown in FIG. 68A are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. . Also, regarding the function for linking to the Japanese user support page 141 for Kmmn shown in FIG. 56 (b) and the function for linking to the Japanese software download page 145 for Kmmn shown in FIG. 57 (b). There is a description.

  LANG = 0409, which is an American language ID, is set as the URL parameter of the link destination because this control file is for the American OS. If this control file is for a Japanese OS, LANG = 0411, which is a Japanese language ID, is set. In general, there are cases where a user support page and a software download page of a website operated in Japan are prepared as separate pages in two languages, Japanese and American. Therefore, according to the language ID, an appropriate page is displayed, such as an American page when 0409 is set and a Japanese page when 0411 is set. If only a Japanese page is prepared on a website operated in Japan and the language ID is set to 0409, the language ID is ignored by the Web server 9 and Japanese ( 0411) will be displayed.

The second <dm: keywordInRegistry> element describes the control when the setup application 129 sets the following registry key and registry information. This represents case 4 described above.
(Registry key) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Kmmn
(Registry information) CD_Name REG_SZ USA_CD
Here, it is described that when the model name is Kmmn and CD_Name is USA_CD, an American support button 150 and an American download button 151 shown in FIG. 58 are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. Also, a function for linking to the American user support page 138 for Kmmn shown in FIG. 56A and a function for linking to the American software download page 142 for Kmmn shown in FIG. 57A are described. .

  Similarly, in the third and fourth <dm: keywordInRegistry> elements, there is a description of the control when the setup application 129 sets the registry key and registry information shown below, which represents the case 4 described above. .

  In each case, the model name and CD_Name are confirmed, and the support buttons 149 and 165 and the download buttons 163 and 168 shown in FIGS. 68B and 68C are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. Has been. It also describes the user support page for Kmmn in each country (not shown) and the function for linking to the software download page (not shown).

  FIG. 48 shows a part of the contents of the control files 11 and 12 used when managing and controlling the printer. This control file includes, as a function of the management application, a button displayed on the display unit according to the registry key and information indicating the correspondence between the function of the button. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  In the figure, the <dm: model> element describes model names of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed using this control file, Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, and Rsst.

In the <dm: keywordInRegistry> element, a negative flag “invert =“ true ”” is set. This describes the control in Case 1 described above in which any registry key described below is not set as the registry key described by the setup application 129.
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Kmmn,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Def,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Oppq,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Rsst
Here, the screen provided by the management application is described so as to display each button defined in selectSupportArea1_0409 shown in FIG. 49 and selectDownloadArea1_0409 shown in FIG. Further, a function for linking to each page of the website by the URL shown in FIGS. 49 and 50 is also described.

  Next, the first <dm: function> element relates to a function for displaying the support button 116 shown in FIG. 41 on the screen provided by the management application and transitioning to the management application display screen shown in FIG. There is a description. Similarly, for the second <dm: function> element, the download button 117 in FIG. 41 is displayed, and the display and function descriptions shown in FIG. 43 are described.

  FIG. 49 is a diagram showing the contents of a part of the control file. In this case, display information corresponding to the registry key and correspondence information of the corresponding function are included. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  In the <dm: model> element, model names of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed, Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, and Rsst are described.

In the <dm: keywordInRegistry> element, a negative flag “invert =“ true ”” is set. This describes the control in Case 1 described above in which any registry key described below is not set as the registry key described by the setup application 129.
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Kmmn,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Def,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Oppq,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Rsst
Next, the first <dm: function> element displays the Japanese support button 118 in FIG. 42 on the screen provided by the management application, and links to the Japanese user support page 179 shown in FIG. There is a description about the function.

  Similarly, the second <dm: function> element includes a description of a function for displaying the American support button 119 in FIG. 42 and linking to the US user support page 152 shown in FIG. Similarly, in the third and fourth <dm: function> elements, there are descriptions regarding the function of displaying the support buttons 120 and 121 of each country in FIG. 42 and linking to the user support page (not shown) of each country. .

  FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the control files 11 and 12. In this case, display information corresponding to the registry key and correspondence information of the corresponding function are included. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  In the <dm: model> element, model names of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed by this control file, Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, and Rsst are described.

In the <dm: keywordInRegistry> element, a negative flag “invert =“ true ”” is set. This describes the control in Case 1 described above in which any registry key described below is not set as the registry key described by the setup application 129.
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Kmmn,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Def,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Oppq,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Rsst
The first <dm: function> element is a description about a function for displaying the Japanese download button 122 in FIG. 43 on the screen provided by the management application and linking to the Japanese software download page (not shown). There is.

  Similarly, the second, third, and fourth <dm: function> elements display the download buttons 123, 124, and 125 of each country in FIG. 43 and link to software downloads (not shown) of each country. There is a description about.

  The series of description contents shown in FIGS. 51 and 52 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the control file. Here, the function of the management application includes a button displayed on the display unit in accordance with the registry key and information indicating the correspondence between the function of the button. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  51 and 52, <dm: model> element describes model names, Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, and Rsst of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed by this control file.

The first <dm: keywordInRegistry> element describes the control when the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 sets the registry key and registry information shown below. This represents case 4 described above. .
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn \ Kmmn \ LOC: JPN
Here, when the model name is Kmmn and the destination (LOC :) is JPN, the Japanese support button 136 and the Japanese download button 137 shown in FIG. 68A are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. It has been described. Also, a description about the function for linking to the Japanese user support page 141 for Kmmn shown in FIG. 56 (b) and the function for linking to the Japanese software download page 145 for Kmmn shown in FIG. 57 (b). There is.

  Regarding the URL parameter control of the link destination, the control as described above with reference to FIGS. 46 and 47 is similarly performed.

The second <dm: keywordInRegistry> element describes the control when the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 sets the registry key and registry information shown below. This represents case 4 described above. .
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn \ LOC: USA
Here, when the model name is Kmmn and the destination (LOC :) is USA, it is described that the support button 150 and the download button 151 shown in FIG. 58 are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. Yes. Also, a description of a function for linking to the American user support page 138 for Kmmn shown in FIG. 56A and a function for linking to the American software download page 142 for Kmmn shown in FIG. There is.

The third <dm: keywordInRegistry> element describes the control when the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 sets the registry key and registry information shown below. This represents case 4 described above. .
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn \ LOC: FRA
Here, when the model name is Kmmn and the destination (LOC :) is FRA, the French support button 170 and the French download button 171 shown in FIG. 68D are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. It has been described. In addition, there is a description regarding a function for linking to a French user support page for Kmmn (not shown) and a function for linking to a French software download page for Kmmn (not shown).

  As described above, since the information acquired from the device (printer 6) is used, the display and functions may be different from the case where the information described by the setup application 129 is used. Therefore, it is ideal to compare the setup application 129 and device specifications and prepare a control file that provides appropriate display and functions. In addition, when both pieces of information are stored as registry information, it is possible to describe in advance in the control file which information is used in consideration of the characteristics of the information.

The fourth <dm: keywordInRegistry> element describes the control when the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 sets the registry key and registry information shown below. This represents case 4 described above. .
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn \ LOC: KOR
Here, when the model name is Kmmn and the destination (LOC :) is KOR, the Korean support button 173 and the Korean download button 174 shown in FIG. 68 (e) are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. It has been described. In addition, there are descriptions regarding a function for linking to a Korean user support page (not shown) for Kmmn and a function (not shown) for linking to a Korean software download page for Kmmn. Here too, the display and functions are different compared to the case where information described by the setup application 129 is used.

  FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating a part of the contents of the control files 11 and 12. In this case, display information corresponding to the registry key and correspondence information of the corresponding function are included. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  In the <dm: model> element, model names of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed by this control file, Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, and Rsst are described.

In the <dm: keywordInRegistry> element, a negative flag “invert =“ true ”” is set. This describes the control in Case 1 described above in which the registry key described by the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 is not set with any of the registry keys described below.
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Def,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Oppq,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Rsst
Here, it is described that the buttons defined in the selectSupportArea2_0409 shown in FIG. 54 and the selectDownloadArea2_0409 shown in FIG. 55 are displayed on the screen provided by the management application. Further, there is a description relating to a function for linking to each page of the website by the URL shown in FIGS.

  In the first <dm: function> element, there is a description about a function for displaying the support button 116 in FIG. 41 and transitioning to the management application display screen shown in FIG. Similarly, the second <dm: function> element includes a description of a function for transitioning to the display of the download button 117 of FIG. 41 and the display screen of the management application shown in FIG.

  FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a part of the contents of the control files 11 and 12. In this case, display information corresponding to the registry key and correspondence information of the corresponding function are included. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  In the figure, the <dm: model> element describes model names, Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, and Rsst of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed by this control file.

In the <dm: keywordInRegistry> element, a negative flag “invert =“ true ”” is set. This describes the control in Case 1 described above in which the registry key described by the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 is not set with any of the registry keys described below.
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Def,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Oppq,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Rsst
The first <dm: function> element is a description of a function for displaying the Japanese support button 184 in FIG. 71 on the screen provided by the management application and linking to the Japanese user support page 179 shown in FIG. There is.

  Similarly, the second <dm: function> element includes a description of a function for displaying the US support button 185 in FIG. 71 and linking to the US user support page 152 shown in FIG.

  Similarly, the third and fourth <dm: function> elements display the support buttons 186 and 187 of each country in FIG. 71, and a description about a function for linking to the user support page (not shown) in each country. is there.

  FIG. 55 shows a part of the contents of the control files 11 and 12. In this case, display information corresponding to the registry key and correspondence information of the corresponding function are included. This control file is prepared for an American OS environment.

  In the figure, the <dm: model> element describes model names, Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, and Rsst of a plurality of devices (printers) that can be managed by this control file.

In the <dm: keywordInRegistry> element, a negative flag “invert =“ true ”” is set. This describes the control in Case 1 described above in which the registry key described by the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 is not set with any of the registry keys described below.
(Registry key)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Def,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Oppq,
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Rsst
The first <dm: function> element is a description about the function for displaying the Japanese download button 190 in FIG. 72 on the screen provided by the management application and linking to the Japanese software download page (not shown). There is.

  The second, third, and fourth <dm: function> elements similarly display the download buttons 191, 192, and 193 for each country in FIG. 72 and link to the software download page for each country (not shown). There is a description about.

  FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a display screen on the display unit 1205 via the Web browser of the user support page.

  In FIG. 56 (a), reference numeral 138 denotes an American user support page, which describes information related to user support of the device such as FAQ regarding the device manufactured by ABC. A model name selection unit 139 displays a list of device model names (Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, Rsst), and a desired model name can be selected from this list.

  In the figure, for example, a state where Kmmn is selected as the model name is shown. Reference numeral 140 denotes a user support information display unit, which describes information related to user support of the device such as FAQ regarding the device selected by the model name selection unit 139 in American English. When nothing is selected by the model name selection unit 139, a message prompting the user to select a model is displayed.

  In FIG. 56 (b), 141 is a user support page in Japan, which describes information related to user support of the device such as FAQ regarding the device manufactured by ABC. A model name selection unit 194 displays a list of model names (Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, Rsst) of the device, and a desired model name can be selected from this list.

  In the figure, for example, a state where Kmmn is selected as the model name is shown. The display contents are basically the same as in FIG. 56A, and 195 is a user support information display portion, in which various information related to the device selected by the model name selection unit 194 is written in Japanese.

  FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a display screen on the display unit 1205 via the Web browser of the software download page.

  In FIG. 57A, reference numeral 142 denotes an American software download page, which describes information about software of a device manufactured by ABC, and can be downloaded. A model name selection unit 143 displays a list of device model names (Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, Rsst), from which a desired model name can be selected.

  In the figure, for example, a state where Kmmn is selected as the model name is shown. Reference numeral 144 denotes a software download information display portion, in which information related to the software of the device selected by the model name selection unit 143 is described in US English, and the software can be downloaded. When nothing is selected by the model name selection unit 143, a message prompting the user to select a model is displayed.

  In FIG. 57 (b), reference numeral 145 denotes a Japanese software download page, which describes information related to software of a device manufactured by ABC, and can be downloaded. A model name selection unit 196 displays a list of device model names (Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, Rsst), and a desired model name can be selected from the list.

  In the figure, for example, a state where Kmmn is selected as the model name is shown. The display contents are basically the same as in FIG. 57 (a), 197 is a software download information display part, and information on the software of the device selected by the model name selection unit 196 is written in Japanese. Software can be downloaded.

  FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing management application startup processing in the PC. In S1309 of FIG. 13, when the management application activation processing is instructed by the OS, the management application activation processing is performed in S6001 by the CPU or the like on the PC, and this processing is started.

  In step S6002, the management application confirms a registry key created at the time of setup of a driver or the like using the setup application 129 as shown in FIG. In step S6003, it is determined whether a registry key created during setup using the setup application 129 exists. If the registry key exists, the process proceeds to S6004. If the registry key does not exist, the process proceeds to S6007.

  In step S6004, it is determined whether the number of stored registry keys is one. If the number of registry keys is one, the process proceeds to S6005. If the number of registry keys is two or more, the process moves to S6101 shown in FIG.

  In S6005, the information set in CD_Name is confirmed. In step S6006, the contents to be displayed by the management application are determined from the information set in CD_Name and the control file saved in step S1405 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in S6007, the registry key described by the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 as shown in FIG. 45 is confirmed. In step S6008, it is determined whether the registry key described by the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 exists. If the registry key exists, the process proceeds to S6009. If the registry key does not exist, the process proceeds to S6012.

  In step S6009, it is determined whether the number of stored registry keys is one. If the number of registry keys is one, the process proceeds to S6010. When the number of registry keys is two or more, the process moves to S6201 shown in FIG.

  In S6010, the information set in the destination information (LOC :) in the registry key is confirmed. In S6011, the contents to be displayed by the management application are determined from the information set in the destination information (LOC :) and the control file saved in S1405 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in S6012, the contents to be displayed by the management application are determined from the result that there is no area information or destination information and the control file saved in S1405 in FIG.

  In step S6013, control is performed to display the display content determined in any one of steps S6006, S6011, and S6012 on the display unit as a display associated with activation of the management application. Thereafter, the startup process of the management application is terminated (S6014).

  FIG. 61 is a flowchart regarding management application startup processing in a PC. In S6004 of FIG. 60, when the number of registry keys is two or more, the process moves to S6101, and this process is started.

  In S6101, the management application confirms information set in a plurality of CD_Names. In step S6102, the contents to be displayed by the management application are determined from the data set in the plurality of CD_Names and the control file saved in step S1405 in FIG. In step S6103, control is performed to display the display content determined in step S6102 on the display unit as a display associated with activation of the management application. Thereafter, the management application activation process is terminated (S6104).

  FIG. 62 is a flowchart regarding management application startup processing in a PC. In S6009 of FIG. 60, when the number of registry keys is two or more, the process moves to S6201 and this process is started.

  In S6201, the management application checks information set in a plurality of destination information (LOC :). In S6202, the contents to be displayed by the management application are determined from the information set in the plurality of destination information (LOC :) and the control file saved in S1405 in FIG. In step S6203, control is performed to display the display content determined in step S6202 on the display unit as a display associated with activation of the management application. Thereafter, the management application activation process is terminated (S6204).

  Here, an example has been described in which the registry key and registry information set by the setup application 129 are used preferentially over the registry key information set by the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36. Since this is information selected by the user's intention, the display and functions provided by the management application are more user-friendly and reflect the user's intention.

  FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen 147 provided by the management application on the display unit 1205. The user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application from this display screen and manage the printer 5 and the like.

  A printer name display portion 177 displays the printer name of the printer icon 110. Reference numeral 150 denotes an American support button that accepts an instruction for transitioning to a screen when providing user support. Reference numeral 151 denotes an American download button, which is a button for accepting an instruction to transition to a screen for providing software download. Here, the support button 150 and the download button 151 are displayed with different icons, and are displayed as colors and shapes that bring together the services to be provided.

  FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the display screen 106 on the display unit 1205 via the Web browser of the user support page.

  Reference numeral 152 denotes an American user support page, which describes information related to user support of the device, such as FAQ regarding a device manufactured by ABC. A model name selection unit 153 displays a list of device model names (Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, Rsst), from which a desired model name can be selected.

  In the figure, for example, nothing is selected as the model name, and a list of model names is displayed. Reference numeral 154 denotes a user support information display portion, which describes information relating to user support of the device such as FAQ relating to the device selected by the model name selection unit 153 in American English. When nothing is selected by the model name selection unit 153, a message prompting the user to select a model is displayed.

  FIG. 63 is a diagram showing the display screen 106 on the display unit 1205 via the Web browser of the user support page.

  Reference numeral 155 denotes an American user support page which describes information related to user support of the device, such as FAQ regarding a device manufactured by ABC. A model name selection unit 156 displays a list of model names (Kmmn, Rsst) of the device, from which a desired model name can be selected.

  In the figure, for example, nothing is selected as the model name, and a list of model names is displayed. Reference numeral 157 denotes a user support information display portion, in which support information related to the device selected by the model name selection unit 153 is described in American English.

  FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen 198 provided by the management application on the display unit 1205. The user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application from this display screen and manage the printer 5 and the like.

  Reference numeral 199 denotes a printer name display portion. In this example, as a case where a printer cannot be specified, all model names of printers to be supported by the management application are displayed.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a print setting button. When this button is pressed, a print setting dialog for displaying each print setting necessary for printing in the printer is displayed. Reference numeral 201 denotes a maintenance button. When this button is pressed, a maintenance dialog for performing various operations necessary for printer maintenance is displayed.

  Reference numeral 202 denotes a support button, which is a button that accepts an instruction to transition to a screen when providing user support. Reference numeral 203 denotes a download button, which is a button for accepting an instruction to transition to a screen for providing software download. Here, the support button 150 and the download button 151 are displayed with different icons, and are displayed as colors and shapes that bring together the services to be provided. Processing when the support button 202 and the download button 203 are pressed will be described later.

  FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen 158 provided by the management application on the display unit 1205. The user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application from this display screen and manage the printer 5 and the like. When the support button 202 in FIG. 64 is pressed, this display may be performed.

  Reference numeral 178 denotes a printer name display portion. In this example, as a case where a printer cannot be specified, all model names of printers to be supported by the management application are displayed.

  Reference numeral 159 denotes a Japanese support button. When this button is pressed, Japan is set as the regional information, and a user support page (not shown) of a website for the Japanese market is displayed on the web browser 106. Reference numeral 160 denotes an American support button. When this button is pressed, similarly, a user support page 155 of a website for the American market shown in FIG. 63 is displayed on the web browser 106.

  As described above, even when the area information cannot be specified, when the area information can be narrowed down, the user operability can be further improved by displaying only the area information within the narrowed range. . The support buttons 159 and 160 in each country are all displayed with the same color and shape icons as the support button 202. Thereby, since it can be visually associated easily that a user selects a region and links to a user support page of a website, operability can be improved.

  FIG. 66 shows information described in the registry of PC1. Reference numeral 161 denotes a display area showing the structure of the registry in a tree shape. In this example, the registry key "My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Rsst" is selected. Reference numeral 162 denotes a display area indicating a value described in the registry key selected in 161. Here, the name “CD_Name” represents the name of the CD-ROM 10, the data type is “REG_SZ”, the data “USA_CD”, the name “AREA” represents the area name, and the data type is “ It shows that two pieces of information “America”, which are “REG_SZ”, are stored. These registry keys and registry information are described by the setup application when the setup application 129 of a device (printer) different from the management application is executed. The setup application 129 is usually included in the printer.

FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating an example of information 2301 described in the registry of the PC 1. Reference numeral 161 denotes a display area showing the structure of the registry in a tree shape.
Here, it is shown that the information of the printer 131 of FIG. 69, “My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Rsst”, is described as a registry key. In addition, a registry key "My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Setup \ Kmmn" shown in FIG. 44 is also described. This registry key represents information of the printer 5 in FIG.

  That is, in this state, it can be seen that the two printer drivers of the printer 131 and the printer 5 are installed in the PC 1. Therefore, the device managed by the management application can be limited to at least one of the printer 131 and the printer 5. In both registry keys, “USA_CD” is set in “CD_Name”, so that the regional information can be specified to the United States.

  Therefore, this corresponds to Case 3 described above. When the support button 116 in FIG. 41 is pressed, an American user support page 155 as shown in FIG. 63 is displayed according to the flowcharts in FIGS.

  FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating an example of information 2301 described in the registry of the PC1. Reference numeral 166 denotes a display area showing the structure of the registry in a tree shape. In this example, the registry key “My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Oppq \ LOC: JPN” is selected.

  Reference numeral 167 denotes a display area indicating a value described in the registry key selected in 166. Here, only the default registry information created when creating this registry key is described. This registry key is created when the language driver 36 obtains the device ID shown in FIG. 73 from the printer 130 when the printer driver 50 operates, creates registry key information from the information, and writes it in the registry. The The created registry key includes the device model name based on the device ID and the device destination information. This destination information can be converted into regional information. Therefore, the model name and area information of the device can be acquired from this registry key.

  Note that the registry key creation method is not limited to such a method. For example, a similar registry key is created based on information about the device obtained by the printer driver 50 by another means. It may be realized by any other method that can obtain a satisfactory result.

  In FIG. 67, the registry key “My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Oppq \ LOC: JPN” represents information of the printer 130 in FIG. In the same figure, the registry key "My Computer \ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ ABC \ Device \ Kmmn \ LOC: USA" shown in FIG. 44 is also described. This registry key represents information of the printer 5 in FIG.

  Here, the device to be managed by the management application can be limited to either the printer 130 or the printer 5. Since the destination of the printer 130 is Japan (LOC: JPN), the area information of the printer can be set to Japan, and the destination of the printer 5 is America (LOC: USA). You can also set the regional information for the US. Therefore, this corresponds to a derivative case of cases 2 and 3. When the support button 116 in FIG. 41 is pressed, a display screen 158 as shown in FIG. 65 is displayed according to the flowcharts in FIGS.

  68A to 68E are diagrams illustrating examples of display screens in the display unit 1205 provided by the management application.

In FIG. 68A, the user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application 135 from this display screen, and manage the printer.
Reference numeral 136 denotes a Japanese support button, which is a button for accepting an instruction for transition to a screen for providing user support. Reference numeral 137 denotes a Japanese download button that accepts an instruction for transitioning to a screen for providing software download.
Here, the support button 150 and the download button 151 are displayed with different icons, and are displayed as colors and shapes that bring together the services to be provided.

  FIG. 68A shows a case (case 4) in which the setup relating to the printer 3 is installed by the setup application 129 of FIG. That is, the model name is Kmmn and CD_Name is JPN_CD. Thus, in FIG. 68A, the model name and the area information can be specified.

In FIG. 68 (b), the user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application 148 from this display screen, and manage the printer.
Buttons 149 and 163 are buttons for providing each service in Europe. Different icons are displayed and displayed as colors and shapes that connect the services to be provided. FIG. 68B shows a case (case 4) in which the setup of the printer 6 is installed by the setup application 129 of FIG. That is, the model name is Kmmn and CD_Name is EUR_CD. As described above, in FIG. 68B, the model name and the area information can be specified.

In FIG. 68 (c), the user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application 164 from this display screen and manage the printer.
Reference numerals 165 and 168 denote buttons for providing each service in Asia. Different icons are displayed, and are displayed in colors and shapes that link the provided services. FIG. 68C shows a case (case 4) in which the setup of the printer 7 is installed by the setup application 129 of FIG. That is, the model name is Kmmn and CD_Name is ASIA_CD. As described above, in FIG. 68C, the model name and the area information can be specified.

In FIG. 68 (d), the user can instruct to use the function of the management application 169 from this display screen, and manage the printer.
Reference numerals 170 and 171 are buttons for providing each service in France. Different icons are displayed and displayed as colors and shapes that connect the provided services. FIG. 68D shows a case (case 4) in which the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 uses the information stored in the registry key based on the device ID acquired from the printer 6. That is, the model name is Kmmn and the destination (LOC :) is FRA. As described above, in FIG. 68 (d), the model name and the area information can be specified. When compared with FIG. 68 (b), the area information is more limited to “France”. .

In FIG. 68 (e), the user can input the instruction to use the function of the management application 172 from this display screen and manage the printer and the like.
Reference numerals 173 and 174 are buttons for providing each service in Korea, and each icon is displayed differently and displayed as a color or shape that brings together the services to be provided. FIG. 68E shows a case (case 4) in which the printer driver 50 or the language monitor 36 uses the information stored in the registry key based on the device ID acquired from the printer 7. That is, the model name is Kmmn and the destination (LOC :) is KOR. As described above, in FIG. 68 (e), the model name and the area information can be specified. Compared with FIG. 68 (c), the area information is more limited to “Korea”. .

  FIG. 70 is a diagram showing the display screen 106 on the display unit 1205 via the Web browser of the user support page.

  Reference numeral 179 denotes a user support page in Japan, which describes information related to user support of the device, such as FAQ regarding the device manufactured by ABC. A model name selection unit 180 displays a list of device model names (Kmmn, Deef, Oppq, Rsst), and a desired model name can be selected from the list.

  In the figure, for example, nothing is selected as the model name, and a list of model names is displayed. Reference numeral 181 denotes a user support information display part, in which support information related to the device selected by the model name selection unit 180 is written in Japanese.

  FIG. 71 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the display unit 1205 provided by the management application. The user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application from the display screen 182 and manage the printer. When the support button 116 in FIG. 41 is pressed, the management application 182 may be displayed depending on the state at that time.

  Reference numeral 183 denotes a printer name display portion. In this example, as a case where the printer cannot be specified, all model names of the printers to be supported by the management application are displayed.

  Reference numeral 184 denotes a Japanese support button. When this button is pressed, Japan is set as the regional information, and the user support page 179 of the website for the Japanese market shown in FIG. 70 is displayed on the web browser 106. . Reference numeral 185 denotes an American support button. When this button is pressed, the US is set as the regional information, and the user support page 152 of the Web site for the US market shown in FIG. 59 is displayed on the Web browser 106. . Similarly, reference numerals 186 and 187 denote support buttons for each country, which are buttons for displaying a user support page of a website for each country market on the web browser 106. The support buttons 184, 185, 186, and 187 are all displayed with the same color and shape icons associated with user support as the support buttons 116. Accordingly, it is possible to visually easily associate that the user selects a region and links to the user support page of the website, so that operability can be greatly improved.

  FIG. 72 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the display unit 1205 provided by the management application. The user can input an instruction to use the function of the management application from the display screen 188 and manage the printer. When the download button 117 in FIG. 41 is pressed, the management application 188 may be displayed according to the state at that time.

  Reference numeral 189 denotes a printer name display part. In this example, as a case where a printer cannot be specified, all model names of printers to be supported by the management application are displayed.

  Reference numeral 190 denotes a Japanese download button. When this button is pressed, Japan is set as the regional information, and a software download page of a website for the Japanese market is displayed on the web browser 106. Reference numerals 191, 192, and 193 denote download buttons for each country, which are buttons for displaying a software download page of a website for each country market on the Web browser 106. The download buttons 190, 191, 192, and 193 are all displayed with the same color and shape icons associated with software download as the download button 117. Accordingly, it is possible to visually easily associate that the user selects a region and links to the software download page of the website, so that operability can be greatly improved.

FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device ID.
Here, (A) is a device ID of the printer 130 and represents the following information.
Manufacturer (MFG :): ABC
Model (MDL :): Oppq
Class (CLS :): PRINTER
Command (CMD :): K4 (ABC company private print control command)
Description (DES :): ABC Opq
Destination (LOC :): JPN (Japan)
(B) is a device ID of the printer 131 and represents the following information.
Manufacturer (MFG :): ABC
Model (MDL :): Rsst
Class (CLS :): PRINTER
Command (CMD :): K4 (ABC company private print control command)
Description (DES :): ABC Rsst
Destination (LOC :): USA (USA)
(C) Device ID of the printer 204, which represents the following information.
Manufacturer (MFG :): ABC
Model (MDL :): Deef
Class (CLS :): PRINTER
Command (CMD :): K4 (ABC company private print control command)
Description (DES :): ABC Def
Destination (LOC :): FRA (France)

(Other examples)
Hereinafter, with reference to the memory map shown in FIG. 34, the configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the peripheral device control system including the information processing device and the peripheral device according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a memory map of a storage medium for storing various data processing programs readable by the peripheral device control system according to the present invention. Although not particularly illustrated, information for managing a program group stored in the storage medium, for example, version information, information such as a creator is also stored in the storage medium and depends on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program In some cases, an icon or the like for identifying and displaying is also stored. In the figure, 64 is a storage medium, and here it is assumed to be composed of a hard disk. Reference numeral 65 denotes a directory information management unit, and data depending on various programs is managed by the directory information management unit 65. A program storage unit 66 may store a program for installing various programs in the information processing apparatus, a program for decompressing the program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, and the like. In the present embodiment, each function that can be realized by executing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, 21, 22, 27 to 29, and 60 to 62 is determined by the program installed from the outside. It may be realized by a processing device. And in that case, even when an information group including a program is supplied to an information processing device or a peripheral device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or a flexible disk, or from an external storage medium via a network, The present invention is applicable. As described above, the storage medium storing the program code of the software realizing the above-described embodiment is supplied to the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium. This also achieves the object of the present invention. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, or the like may be used. it can. In addition, the case where the OS or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code described above and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is included. Needless to say.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a management application (Device Management) as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 30 is given as an example of the applications 80, 81, 98, and 100. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and can be realized by any application having the same function and is effective.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, an inkjet printer is used as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and an arbitrary printer such as a laser beam printer can be used. In that case, the above-described invention can be applied as a purchase service related to the toner cartridge.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a PC is assumed as the information processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Can be realized and effective.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, an OS equivalent to Windows (registered trademark) Vista is used as an OS, but any OS can be used without being limited to these OSs. In the embodiment of the present invention, Ethernet (registered trademark) is used as a configuration example of the network 4, but is not limited to this example, and any other network configuration may be used. In the embodiment of the present invention, Ethernet (registered trademark) is used as an interface between the PC 1 and the printers 3, 5, 6, and 7. For example, an arbitrary interface such as a wireless LAN, IEEE 1394, Bluetooth, or USB is used. You may make it use. In the embodiment of the present invention, WSD is given as an example of a Web service protocol. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and an arbitrary protocol such as an IHV original protocol may be used. In the embodiment of the present invention, the example of the service of the online cartridge purchase system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and can be applied to any service.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device control system has been proposed in which the model name selection unit is provided on the user support page or the software download page so that the user can select the model name. However, the present invention is limited to this example. For example, a function similar to that of the model name selection unit may be provided on the management application.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, a function for selecting area information is provided on the management application, and the user selects an area using the function, thereby linking a user support page and a software download page in the specified area. Then, the peripheral device control system that can open the page has been proposed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a function for selecting regional information on a support page or a software download page may be provided. .

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus,
When the first area information stored in the registry of the information processing apparatus indicates the first area, an object including a specific character string for receiving an instruction for providing the first function is displayed, and the first area is displayed. The specific region that receives an instruction to provide the first function when the second region information acquired from a peripheral device via a communication line indicates the first region when the information is not stored in the registry; display objects that contain a character string, the said first region information accepts an instruction for the and the second area information not stored in the registry provides a second function to indicate a second region An information processing apparatus comprising display control means for displaying an object including a specific character string.   2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second area information is included in a device ID, which is identification information for identifying the peripheral device, and is identification information acquired from the peripheral device via a communication line. Information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first function and the second function are functions for providing user support or providing a software download service. A program executed on a computer,
In the computer,
When the first area information stored in the registry of the computer indicates the first area, an object including a specific character string for receiving an instruction for providing the first function is displayed, and the first area information is The specific character string that receives an instruction to provide the first function when the second area information that is not stored in the registry and acquired from a peripheral device via a communication line indicates the first area display the object containing the first region information is and the second area information not stored in the registry the specific accepting an instruction for providing a second function to indicate a second region A program for executing a display control process for displaying an object including a character string.   5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the second area information is included in a device ID that is identification information for identifying the peripheral device, and is identification information acquired from the peripheral device via a communication line. Program.   The program according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first function and the second function are functions for providing user support or providing a software download service. A control method in an information processing apparatus,
When the first area information stored in the registry of the information processing apparatus indicates the first area, an object including a specific character string for receiving an instruction for providing the first function is displayed, and the first area is displayed. The specific region that receives an instruction to provide the first function when the second region information acquired from a peripheral device via a communication line indicates the first region when the information is not stored in the registry; display objects that contain a character string, the said first region information accepts an instruction for the and the second area information not stored in the registry provides a second function to indicate a second region A control method comprising a display control step of displaying an object including a specific character string.   4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first region information is included in a registry key in the registry created at the time of setup using a setup application. 5.   The object including the specific character string that receives an instruction to provide the first function and the object including the specific character string that receives the instruction to provide the second function have the same shape. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and claim 8.   The program according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first area information is included in a registry key in the registry created at the time of setup using a setup application.   The object including the specific character string that receives an instruction to provide the first function and the object including the specific character string that receives the instruction to provide the second function have the same shape. The program according to any one of claims 4 to 6 and claim 10.